TOW #2: Corn-Pone Opinions by Mark Twain

In Mark Twain’s “Corn-pone Opinions,” the main concept encompasses and depicts society’s inherent aptitude for conformity. Widely recognized as “the Father of Literature,” Twain delves deeper into the human tendency to blend according to their peers and environment. Through his writing, he attempts to make the unconscionable behaviors of compliance known to his audience worldwide.

            When Twain was a boy of fifteen, he lived in a time period of slavery and inequality. Black slaves were to do as told despite the severity or the questionable logistics of the task. Although it was apparent that the ideology of white superiority was morally wrong, no person went against the norms of the “corn-pone opinion.” When Twain describes his friend as “a gay and impudent and satirical and delightful young black man” but goes on to pause and reveal the underlying disadvantage: “a slave” (Twain, 1). His mentioning of his friend’s race in the description of what makes him who he is, it reflects the societal norms of racial discrimination. Although the black man was the complete opposite in regards to race as young Twain, he was of great admiration to the developing child. Twain’s ability to shun the accepted values of his surrounding white neighbors displays his awareness of right from wrong.

To Twain, his friend was “a wonder. I believed he was the greatest orator in the United States and would some day be heard from. But it did not happen; in the distribution of rewards he was overlooked.” (Twain, 1). For him, his black friend was just as equal and deserving of renown as those of the accepted race, but because of the norms of the south back then, Twain was unable to understand the reasoning behind the societal belief that blacks should go unnoticed. It was within the nature of society during his time that the intelligence and talent of black slaves were overlooked. This goes on to suggest that this repeated practice of indifference continued as no one had the courage nor the need to go against the public opinion. Twain goes on to state that he does not agree with the widely accepted view that blacks are inferior than whites, but ends the anecdote with resignation to his efforts as “that is the way, in this world” (Twain 00).

Just in case you didn't know, this is a corn-pone bread

Contrary to the “corn-pone opinions” of his neighbors, Twain believed that the world was in need of racial equality. His personal anecdotes and the insight into the most private part of his mind further strengthens his argument as a writer.  Despite that this essay was written over one hundred years ago, the meaning behind his writing is still applicable to this day.